Learning from Visual Ecology for Advanced Robotic Vision Systems

The development of artificial vision systems has been inspired by unique optical features found in nature, such as aquatic-type, cuttlefish, and fiddler crab vision. These systems exhibit wide fields of view, high visual acuity, deep depth of field, and minimal optical aberrations. For example, the aquatic-type system's monocentric lens and hemispherical retina inspired a bio-inspired camera, while cuttlefish vision led to an artificial system for high-contrast imaging under uneven illumination. The fiddler crab’s flat-face lenses inspired amphibious imaging with a panoramic view, and avian eyes have influenced high-resolution, compact zoom cameras. These bio-inspired systems have potential applications in advanced mobile electronics, high-performance robotic vision, and panoramic imaging for motion detection and obstacle avoidance in variable environments. In this talk, I will briefly overview recent advances in bio-inspired artificial robotic vision systems inspired by the diversity of eyes in nature, and discuss future directions and remaining challenges.